My Photowalk through the cobblestones of Lisbon -

On a beautiful partly cloudy day in Alfama, Graça and Mouraria, a girl, her camera, and her phone captured the heart of Old Lisbon – the people, the architecture, and the weather.

This story started when I found and booked a photo walk with Gilby, an amazing and experienced photographer on Airbnb experience.

We started on a stairway on the streets of Alfama, and walked on narrow streets in between homes. Guided by Gilby, I captured the story of Alfama, as people walked by, residents hanged clothes to dry, and clouds peered through the skies. The beautiful architecture beckoned us, and inanimate objects became the focal point of my story. Every click of the phone or the camera captured the heart of Alfama, the love of Graca, and the captivating allure of Mouraria.

I enjoyed the many angles I placed my phone or my camera, the layers of cobblestones, buildings, and people, with the skies as the backdrop. I loved walking up hills, crouching down and turning the phone upside down to capture the many layers of the story I wanted to tell.

I watched as trams drove by, people fed cats, friends gathered to eat and drink, and people danced to music on the streets. It was such an amazing journey every step of the way.

We visited viewpoints that overlooked the city of Lisbon and captured some beautiful architecture.

In Graça, I had the opportunity to develop a story, as the Graça Church stood still.

In narrow walkways, I learned how to view people, buildings, street art and the beautiful skies through my lens in layers.

The art of reflections was one of my favorite things on this photowalk. I learned how to capture anything through reflections from a car, phone and water, and I was in awe.

At the end of the photowalk, I couldn’t believe how Alfama had embraced my creativity, how Graça had captivated my attention up those scenic hills, and how Mouraria welcomed me to tell its story.

This is an experience I will always hold dear and plan to repeat in other cities I visit. I would recommend that anytime you visit a different city or country, grab that lens, and watch your creativity spill into the streets to develop your own story through a photo walk.

If you are ever in Lisbon, don’t forget to find Gilby on Airbnb Experience. Thank you Gilby, for showing me your beautiful city.